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    What to Eat at ACL

    20 things you must eat and drink at ACL Music Festival in Austin

    Tom Thornton
    Tom Thornton
    Oct 3, 2014 | 3:51 pm

    Fans have long been spoiled by the Austin City Limits Music Fest food court known as Austin Eats. Although many sporting events and festivals don't offer much besides burgers and hot dogs, Austin's biggest music festival has showcased a broad range of local restaurants and products for years.

    So if you are headed to Austin for ACL this weekend or next, we offer these 20 picks for festival refueling.

    Beer, hoppy

    Lagunitas, Odell and Stone IPAs
    Though we'd recommend not overdoing these (the ABV is on the higher side), ACL Fest has three of the nation's top IPAs on draft in the Barton Springs Beer Hall. The Stone is the hoppiest and most bitter, while the Lagunitas and Odell beers lean more toward the tropical fruit side of the IPA spectrum. All are first-rate and should quench the thirst of many hop-heads all weekend.

    Beer, malty

    Odell 90 Shilling
    New to the Texas market this year, this amber riff on a Scottish ale is an ideal fit for the fest. The alcohol level is moderate (5.3 percent), it's balanced but not bitter, and should make for a nice evening sipper.

    Brisket

    Brisket tacos, Peached Tortilla (2 for $9)
    The famous food truck takes a break from building its brick-and-mortar to serve up tacos filled with dry-rubbed and braised brisket and creamy apple slaw. About as safe a bet as you'll find in the park.

    Coffee

    Double espresso can, High Brew Coffee ($4)
    Though they could do with a touch less sugar, the canned coffees from Austin's High Brew will be like manna from heaven late in the day at ACL. These 8-ounce cold brew coffees are portable, tasty, cold and a great way to recharge before the evening sets. A great new addition.

    Falafel

    Falafel wrap, Tino's Greek Cafe ($7)
    Tino's fast casual fare is a longtime Austin favorite, and its falafel wrap adds another light lunch option to the court, which is great on hotter days. For those who'd like a heartier wrap, gyro meat is also available.

    Fried chicken

    Fried chicken sliders, Max's Wine Dive ($9)
    Max's has built its reputation on fried chicken for years, so there's no reason to doubt it now. Austin chef Erica Beneke's team will plate up sliders with chicken, pickles, lettuce, tomato and honey, giving you a perfect picnic bite (albeit one on the indulgent side) for a ramble through the park.

    Frito pie

    Frito pies, Jason Dady ($7-$9)
    Dady gets points for both audacity and a sense of humor here: He's doing four different variations of Frito pie. There are two meat options (Texas BBQ chopped beef and bacon with pork belly), a JBG vegetarian option, and a dessert Nutella pie with marshmallow and graham crackers. We're stopping by for the spectacle — and the bacon. (Weekend one, Saturday only.)

    Fruit

    Chile-spiked watermelon, Tim Love's Woodshed Smokehouse ($4)
    Before his much-hyped expansion into Austin, celebrity chef Tim Love is running two stands in the food court with offerings ranging from tamales to beef ribs. His simplest idea might be his best, though. The Woodshed will plate up chile-spiked watermelon, which should pair well with a beer and be a welcome lighter offering.

    Ice cream

    Scoops and sandwiches, Coolhaus ($4-$6)
    Coolhaus cookie ice cream sandwiches are always a winner. Though they are only available on the second weekend this year, the eclectic and often boozy flavors are indulgent, fun and well-executed. Go for it. (Weekend two only.)

    Kid-friendly eats

    Hamburger or veggie burger with cookie, P. Terry's ($6-$7)
    This is an easy victory for parents: Kids love P. Terry's burgers, plus they're already familiar with them. Grab an early dinner before the lines lengthen and save yourself some stress.

    Kolaches

    Goat sausage kolache, Odd Duck/Jack Allen's Kitchen ($8)
    The Texas favorite makes a cameo appearance for one day only at the festival, so grab it while you can. The Gilmores are collectively great at cooking goat dishes, so this savory take on the kolache should be rich, Texan and very filling. (Weekend one, Friday only.)

    Pizza

    Assorted slices, Southside Flying Pizza ($7-8)
    With Austin's Pizza going the "personal pizza" route, your hands-down best play for pizza is Southside. The 78704 favorite is also offering four different slice options to cater to everyone. Offerings include cheese, pepperoni, veggie and the trio Italiano, all of which are done Neapolitan-style.

    Popsicles

    Watermelon agave, Goodpop ($4)
    Goodpops are refreshing, made locally and even employ local fruit when possible. They're not too sweet and a great guilt-free refreshment on a warmer day. We like the hibiscus mint pop as well.

    Ribs

    Pork rib boat, Salt Lick ($10)
    Barbecue is a fickle thing, and buying it at a festival is risky in a town filled with world-class 'cue. The best bet this year seems to be the Salt Lick's pork rib boat. In our opinion, ribs will hold up in festival conditions better than brisket, and the ability to eat sans fork is always a plus. It's also our favorite menu item from the legendary Driftwood restaurant, so you should walk away happy.

    Sausage

    Grilled bratwurst sandwich, Frank ($7)
    You can trust the brats from Frank; they're made in Austin by Hudson Sausage company, so the quality level is solid. If you're feeling more Oktoberfest than ACL Fest, this stand has your back. Load up on the kraut and mustard for the ideal experience.

    Shrimp

    Scallywag, Torchy's Tacos ($6)
    The Scallywag is right up there with Torchy's most gluttonous offerings, which is really saying something. Those wanting a gut-busting dinner to complement their brews can opt in for this coconut shrimp, bacon, green chile, cheese and pickled onion monster. Why not?

    Tamales

    Spinach and onion tamales, Tamale Addiction (2 for $9)
    Tamale Addiction is a regular fixture at Circuit of the Americas, and our experience has been that the spinach and caramelized onion tamales are the vendor's best dish. For those looking for a meatier option, Tim Love is serving up smoked chicken tamales at his Woodshed stand.

    Vegetarian, part I

    Korean fried tofu tacos, Chi'lantro ($9)
    Chi'lantro's take on tofu makes great use of the trailer's Asian flavors. The sweet and spicy tofu with onion, cilantro and a soy vinaigrette salad give layers of spice and crunch to the taco, which is served on corn tortillas.

    Vegetarian, part II

    Brussels sprout salad, East Side King ($8)
    ESK's salad may have the longest ingredient list of the festival. The "everything but the kitchen sink" dish meshes sautéed Brussels sprouts with cabbage, sprouts, lettuce, jalapeño, mint, basil, cilantro, salt, pepper and onion to elevated effect. The dish is light, tangy and complex, with each bite delivering heat, sweetness or roasted flavors depending on which ingredient combo you grab. The stand will also be serving Poor Qui Buns, but don't pass up this salad.

    Wraps

    Chicken and avocado cone, Mighty Cone ($9)
    To end the list, one can't bypass this ACL classic, because it's arguably the dish that made the ACL food court's reputation. Billed as "the only way to eat at Hudson's On The Bend for under $10," the crunchy chicken and avocado cone is still a great handheld meal. Although it may no longer be the surefire best meal in the park, you can thank your chicken cone for making the other options happen.

    Coolhaus for all your cooling-off needs.

    Food_and_Drink_ACL_Eats_Coolhaus_Cindy_Sept_2013
    Coolhaus Facebook
    Coolhaus for all your cooling-off needs.
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    Hits for a Good Cause

    CultureMap writer and Cowboys crush it for charity in home run derby

    Alex Bentley
    May 15, 2026 | 12:39 pm
    CultureMap's Alex Bentley competing in the Media League part of the 2026 Reliant Home Run Derby
    Photo courtesy of Reliant
    CultureMap's Alex Bentley competed in the Media League part of the 2026 Reliant Home Run Derby.

    There was some friendly rivalry on and off the field at the 13th annual Reliant Home Run Derby at Riders Field in Frisco on May 14, where members of the Dallas Cowboys and a dozen local media members stepped up to the plate to raise money for North Texas charities.

    Before Cowboys fans showed up for the main event, the day kicked off with the 10th annual Reliant Media League, featuring 12 reporters from around Dallas-Fort Worth - including CultureMap's Alex Bentley - taking their hacks for a charity of their choice.

    On what was said to be one of the hottest days in the event's history, each media participant got 10 swings in the first of three rounds, earning $100 for every hit and $300 for every home run.

    Bentley, a first-time competitor, advanced to the second round with four others, and with a strong second-round performance - including a home run on his final swing - made the three-swing final round against WFAA reporter Sean Giggy.

    CultureMap's Alex Bentley celebrating a home run in the Media League part of the 2026 Reliant Home Run Derby CultureMap's Alex Bentley celebrating a home run in the Media League part of the 2026 Reliant Home Run Derby. Photo by Brandon Wade/AP Content Services for Reliant

    With Kristi Scales, sideline reporter for the Dallas Cowboys Radio Network, calling the action, Giggy narrowly edged Bentley by hitting two home runs compared to Bentley's two hits and one home run.

    Collectively, the media members raised $36,220 for local North Texas charities, including $4,335 by Giggy for his charity, Keeper of the Game, and $4,135 by Bentley for his charity, The Street Dog Project.

    The Street Dog Project is comprised of a small group of volunteers who, since 2016, have rescued hundreds of dogs from the streets and found them loving homes.

    WFAA reporter Sean Giggy celebrating his win the Media League portion of the 2026 Reliant Home Run Derby WFAA reporter Sean Giggy and his son celebrating his win in the Media League portion of the 2026 Reliant Home Run Derby. Photo by Brandon Wade/AP Content Services for Reliant

    Reached for comment, Bentley said: "For a 50-year-old man who hadn't touched a baseball bat in 16 years to even compete was amazing, but to be one of the finalists was beyond all my expectations. I'm very happy with my performance, but even happier that I was able to raise a lot of money for a good cause."

    Ten Cowboys players then took the field in front of hundreds of fans, trading in their pads for a bat for a chance at baseball glory.

    Participants included Bryan Anger, Brandon Aubrey, Jake Ferguson, DeMarvion Overshown, Dak Prescott, Luke Schoonmaker, Trent Sieg, Tyler Smith, Terence Steele, and Sam Williams.

    With each hit and home run earning a donation from Reliant, the teammates raised a total of $80,000 to benefit The Salvation Army of North Texas.

    Ferguson, the Cowboys tight end, was named the 2026 Reliant Home Run Derby Champion with $20,600 raised and 22 home runs.

    As the winner, Ferguson also received a $10,000 bonus from Reliant for his chosen charity, the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation.

    Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson celebrating his win at the 2026 Reliant Home Run Derby Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson celebrating his win at the 2026 Reliant Home Run Derby.Photo by Brandon Wade/AP Content Services for Reliant

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